Auto Bits: What does the shortfall of truck drivers mean for the economy?

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Sep 24, 2018 at 12:02 PMSep 24, 2018 at 12:02 PM

Tip of the Week

To truly understand the impact the trucking industry has on our economy, walk into any business, retail shop or grocery store and take a look around. Nearly everything you see was delivered there by a truck. In fact, according to the American Trucking Associations’ Freight Transportation Forecast, 70 percent of all freight in the U.S. is handled by trucks. It is awe-inspiring to realize one industry has such an enormous impact on everything we do, purchase and consume in our everyday lives. Quite simply, trucks keep America moving, and without them, America stops.

Imagine going to your favorite grocery store to pick up your family’s dinner and seeing the shelves empty, or stopping by the corner hardware store for light bulbs only to find they’re not available. If it’s not during the aftermath of a weather disaster, we can’t readily imagine such a scenario happening in this country. That’s because 3.5 million professional drivers are always on the job, working day and night to make the deliveries that keep our economy humming.

But, it’s getting more and more difficult for the industry to keep up with demand. There’s a severe shortage of professional truck drivers on the road today, and it’s expected to get even worse. The ATA estimates that the industry will face a 175,000-driver shortfall by 2026. Ask any professional driver and they’ll tell you the same story: They get headhunting emails and calls from recruiters every day, and their own companies are so short-staffed they need to put in extra shifts just to cover all of the routes.

That’s why the ATA is partnering with Pilot Flying J, the largest network of travel centers in North America, to raise awareness of the profession, recruit new drivers, and celebrate the tremendous contributions of professional drivers to our nation’s economy.

It’s ironic that there’s a shortage in this profession, because those same drivers who remain committed to the industry and to keeping our economy moving will tell you how much they love the job.

“My father was a driver and as far back as I can remember, truck driving is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” says Steve Brand, a professional driver who has spent 27 years with FedEx Freight. Brand is a member of the ATA America’s Road Team, a national public outreach program of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills and safety records. “Trucks move America forward and it’s a great feeling knowing I have a small part in that.”

Other benefits of being a driver?

* Independence. When you’re in a big rig, nobody is looking over your shoulder telling you how to do your job. It’s like being your own boss.

* Freedom. If an office job isn’t for you, trucking is a perfect choice. You’re out on the open road, and not tied to a desk.

* Flexibility. There isn’t just one kind of driving. Want to see the country driving from coast to coast? You can do that. Want to come home to your family every night? You can do that, too, and myriad options in between.

* Pay. ATA’s recent Driver Compensation Study found that the average salary for a truck driver ranges from $53,000 to $86,000 depending on the type of employer and type of equipment operated. Coupled with not having the crushing student debt that college graduates are carrying around, it makes for a very good living.

Opportunities. Since the industry is hurting for drivers, it’s a job seeker’s market out there. Recent grads from driving schools are in high demand, and can pick and choose the job that’s right for them.

— Brandpoint

Did you know

According to a recent AAA study, most new car buyers only give priority to purchase price and monthly payment when choosing a new car, but should also factor in one other costly factor — depreciation.

Researchers found that on average depreciation makes up almost 40 percent of the cost of owning a new vehicle (more than $3,000 per year) and is influenced by a number of factors, including shifting consumer preferences.

Car stats

The recent deaths from Hurricane Florence flooding is a good reminder that rushing water is dangerous especially when inside a vehicle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. It only takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car; 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

— More Content Now

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